The only limud zchus is that they feel that they’re in a big battle still against haskolah/Zionism
Assuming that is the reason (or for that matter if it isn’t, or if it’s one of several), the fact is that the gedolim aren’t saying it. In no way is it a stain on us for following them.
Maybe it’s embarrasing to you because you don’t understand it it or can’t explain it, but that’s your issue, not an issue with the approach of the gedolim or those following them.